PA UC reapplication after 6 months - completely lost on benefit year transition

Yes, after your benefit year ends (exactly 52 weeks from when you first applied), you need to file a completely new application. It's not an extension - it's a brand new claim. Your weekly benefit amount might change because they'll recalculate based on your most recent employment, including that 6-week temporary job you mentioned. Make sure you have all your employment information ready, including the temporary job. Go to the PA UC website and select 'File an Initial Claim' just like you did the first time.

went thru this last month, its a pain but you keep same pin just do new application

I had to reapply after my benefit year ended in January 2025. Here's exactly what you need to do: 1. Log into your dashboard on the PA UC website 2. Select "File an Initial Claim" (not weekly certification) 3. You'll keep your same PIN 4. Have all employment info for the past 18 months ready (including that temp job) 5. They'll review your application and calculate a new weekly benefit amount Important: After you submit the new application, you STILL need to file weekly certifications even while waiting for approval! Many people miss this step. The system might look like it's not accepting them, but file anyway - if approved, you'll get those weeks. Your new weekly amount might be different based on that 6-week job, but if you didn't earn much, they might use your previous wages - it's complicated how they calculate it.

my cousin just went thru this and they denied him after reapplying because they said he didnt have enough wages in his base year or something like that even tho he worked those 3 months before getting laid off again the whole system is designed to trip people up

I was in the EXACT same situation in February!!!! So frustrating when your benefit year ends and you have to start all over. I tried calling the UC service center for DAYS and could never get through - just busy signals or getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever!! I was pulling my hair out because rent was due and I needed to know if I would get paid. I finally found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual PA UC agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent explained everything about the benefit year transition and processed my new application on the phone. Saved me SO much stress. Their website is claimyr.com if you're stuck trying to get answers.

THE SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN BY DESIGN!!! They WANT you to give up and not get benefits you're entitled to. I had to reapply after my benefit year ended and they gave me $75 LESS per week even though nothing about my work history changed significantly!!! When I called to ask why (after 27 attempts to get through) they gave me some BS about "calculation periods" and "base year quarters" that made NO SENSE!!! It's all a scam to pay less!!!

Update: I filed a new initial claim yesterday after reading all your suggestions. The system said I should expect a determination in 2-3 weeks. I also tried filing my weekly certification for last week even though my benefit year ended, and surprisingly it went through! Not sure if I'll actually get paid for it, but at least it's in the system. Thanks for all the helpful advice!

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago! The benefit year transition is definitely confusing but everyone here gave you solid advice. One thing I'd add - when you're filling out that new initial claim, be super careful about the dates for your temporary job. Make sure you report the exact start and end dates because any mistakes there can delay your approval. Also, if your new weekly benefit amount ends up being lower than before (which happened to me), you can sometimes appeal that determination if you think they calculated it wrong. The appeals process isn't fun but it's worth it if there's a significant difference. Hang in there - the whole system is frustrating but you'll get through it!

Hey Amina! I just went through this same exact thing about 3 months ago when my benefit year ended. It's definitely confusing but you're on the right track now that you filed the new initial claim. A few things that might help while you're waiting: 1. Keep a spreadsheet or notes of when you filed your new claim and any confirmation numbers - it makes it easier if you need to call later 2. Continue filing those weekly certifications like you did - even if the system seems glitchy, keep doing it every week 3. Start documenting your job search activities NOW even while waiting for approval (companies applied to, dates, positions, etc.) because they'll want that info once you're approved The 2-3 week timeline is usually pretty accurate for new claims. In my case, I got approved in exactly 16 days and they released all the weekly payments I had filed while waiting. The hardest part is just the waiting and uncertainty, but it sounds like you did everything right! Keep us posted on how it goes.